Out100: David France, Jonathan Lisecki, Ira Sachs

David FranceIn a year of moving documentaries about the AIDS crisis, first-time director France’s How to Survive a Plague was a suspense-filled portrait of the men and women who started ACT UP 25 years ago (and its spin-off, TAG). The award-winning journalist has been covering the plague for 30 years, and his expert knowledge shows.

Jonathan LiseckiLisecki’s irreverent indie romp Gayby breathed new life into the romantic comedy -- quite literally. The film follows the ins and outs of a thirtysomething gay man and his best single gal pal as they attempt to conceive a child the all-natural way. The resulting tale brims with camp and sarcasm, but at its heart is a thoughtful observation on the modern-day notion of family.

Ira SachsThe director’s semi-autobiographical feature, Keep the Lights On, follows a couple’s long struggle with drug abuse and betrayal. As Sachs explains, “I think of it as a gay Scenes from a Marriage. It’s about long-term relationships and the ups and downs that take place.” Sachs married his husband, artist, Boris Torres in January, a week before the couple had twins with a female friend who also lives with them.